Letters to the Editor

By The Bakersfield Californian

Wednesday's Bakersfield City Council meeting was a waste of time ("Council sparring holds up management raises," July 17). It became a character assassination against certain council members and the city manager.

Terry Maxwell, Ward 2 councilman first and business owner second, should look twice before he accuses someone. Maxwell fails to do his research but puts his agenda in place as a business owner downtown.

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Russell Johnson, who is running for Kern County Assessor-Recorder, tried to place himself in front of his Ward 7 constituents. He lost my vote. I cannot back someone who has an agenda that does not result in the people. All I have seen from Johnson is a lack of concern for the people.

Willie Rivera is just following what he thinks will fit his agenda politically. His goal is to climb the stairs to county supervisor, assemblyman, etc. By standing by this vote, Rivera hurt his Ward 1 constituents by following the leaders that he thinks can mentor him.

Mayor Harvey Hall said it best. It was neither the place nor the time to bring personal issues that should have been brought up in a closed meeting. Our city manager came and rallied around his management staff. He has 22 years with us and can show the city how many benefits have become reality: freeways, streets, curbs, gutters, affordable housing, replacement of sewers, parks -- the list goes on.

As a community, let's make phone calls, emails or personal visits to those council members or City Hall to make this stop.

MONTGOMERY WARD : It's amazing how quickly rumors circulate in this age of social media and instant messaging. On Monday, rumors were flying that the old Golden State Mall on F Street was about to be turned into a homeless center run by its new owner, Canyon Hills Assembly of God.

OIL PRICES : Oil producers have sharply curtailed drilling as the price of crude has plummeted, but it may not last for long. At least that is the opinion of oil magnate T. Boone Pickens, who predicted this week that oil prices would rebound to about $100 a barrel by the end of 2016.